The Christian Post reports that Eric Volz, the new spokesperson for the International House of Prayer – Kansas City (“IHOPKC”), has announced that IHOPKC leaders hired a new “trauma informed” third-party investigative firm to review allegations of abuse committed by IHOPKC Founder Mike Bickle. Ministry leaders are also creating an entity called the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to supplement the investigative work.
On Tuesday (12/12/2023), Bickle confessed to sinful misconduct he committed over 20 years ago, after a woman alleged that for roughly three years (1996 to 1999), Bickle paid for her apartment, gave her a key to his office, and engaged in every sexual act with her except copulation. She claimed that Bickle wooed her with scripture when she was 19 and he was 42 (a difference of about 23 years), and then made her a “kept woman” for several years as he established IHOP.
For his part, Bickle released a written statement and posted on his Facebook account, stating, in part: “I sadly admit that 20+ years ago, I sinned by engaging in inappropriate behavior — my moral failures were real” and that “I am not admitting to the more intense sexual activities that some are suggesting.”
The Christian Post article may be read in its entirety HERE.
IHOPKC responded to Bickle’s December 12, 2023 statement in the following YouTube video:
My brothers and sisters, IHOPKC Founder Mike Bickle has acknowledged the impropriety and sin of his past actions, and has agreed to step away from ministry, indefinitely, if necessary.
Prayer for all of the involved parties is absolutely essential! Not only are one or more victims suffering from probable past trauma, Bickle himself, his family, the staff and students of IHOPKC, and even those investigating the allegations need godly wisdom, strength and an ability to sort through mere allegations and matters that represent the truth – as justice is sought.
Proverbs 2:6 (NKJV)
“For the Lord gives wisdom; [f]rom His mouth come knowledge and understanding…”.
Proverbs 4:7 (NKJV)
“Wisdom is the principal thing; [t]herefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.”
And let’s not forget that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God – so mercy (when appropriate) and forgiveness are biblical principles all Christians need to consider, even when our flesh is leading us elsewhere. Love overcomes sin.
Romans 3:23 (NKJV)
“…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…”.
1 Peter 4:8 (NLT)
“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”
Unfortunately, such situations all-too-often result in damage to the Christian witness of the affected ministry, and other similar ministries. Sometimes non-believers, secularists and satanists can’t wait to use these situations to intentionally bring harm to Christian ministries following a moral or criminal failing of a faith leader. They will attempt to paint all Christian churches, ministries, ministers and believers in a negative or evil light. The IHOPKC situation is very sad, but let’s not allow this to happen.
Let’s also not forget that many, if not most, of the persons involved, presumably, love Jesus deeply. We know that the word of God says that He is for us and not against us. We know that God can and will turn even tragic circumstances for our good, albeit in His timing and in ways we might not instantly see or understand.
Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
My brothers and sisters, stand strong in the faith and seek the truth.
Praise Jesus forevermore!